Flintoff backs Bresnan for all-rounder berth

Flintoff, who retired from the longer form of the game last year, reckons the 25-year-old has developed into a quality seamer and dangerous lower order batsman.

“The one person I've loved to see progress is Tim Bresnan,” he said. "As an all-rounder myself it's good to have seen him come into the side. I've played against him a number of years, watched him progress and I think we're about to see the best of Bressie."

"I'm a great believer in five bowlers if you can do it and, with the make-up of the side we have got, we can put ourselves in that position. We can go into the Ashes as favourites and I think we can turn them over.

"Bressie is the man for that role. He can bowl quick and he can bat. Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad can bat too but if you look at that side now, Bressie can be the all-rounder."